Delmonico’s Restaurant

Laying claim to being the first restaurant in the United States, this Wall Street classic has kept its charm and its reputation for being a great steakhouse. In addition to the several private rooms located downstairs, the main dining room upstairs can be used for private events of 100 people or more as seen here in a recent private event coordinated by Esse. Flowers and design by Heath Alan Ray.

Sushi & Beyond: Japanese Comfort Food Takes Center Stage

The concept of small plates or tapas, most often associated with the cuisines of Spain and Greece exists also in Japan and is beautifully and wildly represented on the tables of EN Japanese Brasserie. Located on the outskirts of the West Village, this bistro promises a pleasing dining experience, one that encourages the diner to go to the heart of traditional Japanese fare. Though it is prepared very well, I forgo the sushi and opt for the small dishes, notably the White Asparagus Kinpira with sesame seeds and the Sea Bass Kara-Age, sake-marinated sea bass lightly fried and perfectly moist. And, to compliment a chilled Sapporo, turn a blind eye to your initial thoughts of Crispy Fried Chicken and order it. It has been rumored to turn a non-chicken eater into a chicken eater, of course pending the dusting of “aromatic rock salt.” As for entrees, the Duck Breast with Daikon, smoky and juicy, is excellent, and the Miso Glazed Cod vies for the title of best in NYC.
EN is a restaurant that you can visit more than once a week based on its comforting food and reasonable prices. The warm woods used in the furnishings soften the industrial design, as does the inviting staff. It is a unique diversion from the standard Japanese restaurant in the city and it is no surprise, considering the owners have established well over a dozen restaurants of this kind in Japan.
Ask me about their private rooms….they make for a very memorable evening!